Watch or buy this music:

Get it now on:

Watch or buy this music:

Get it now on:

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this music.

Positive messages

Almost every track describes conflict, distrust, or a pessimistic search for independence.

Violence

Any violent acts described are in the nature of assaults against truth.

Sex

Language

There are stark images of conflict and anxiety, but no foul language or obscenity.

Consumerism

Drinking, drugs & smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the album from Southern California rockers Linkin Park contains messages of conflict, distrust, and independence. The subjects -- although fairly heavy -- are presented without using any objectionable sexual or violent content, or foul language, and it fine for teens to listen to.

What's the story?

Inspired by a super-rocky terrain in Greece -- atop which monasteries were somehow, astonishingly, erected -- Linkin Park's latest CD, METEORA, strives to create in music the visual impact of that landscape. For the most part, Linkin Park succeeds, stunning the listener with songs of energy and power, with lyrics as blunt and inhospitable as those Greek boulders. \"Don't Stay\" captures the particular brand of anguish and self-loathing that can only be inspired by betrayal, with lines like, \"Forget our memories/ Forget our possibilities/ Take all your faithlessness with you/ [Just give me myself back and]/ Don't stay.\"

Is it any good?

Explosive, creative, meticulous: these seemingly contradictory terms all describe Linkin Park's Meteora. The recurring themes of conflict, distrust, and anxiety are too mature for younger listeners, but teens will find these topics to be familiar country.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the process of making an album. The song "Breaking the Habit" took six years to create. Was it obvious from the finished product? What do you think of bands that put out albums every year? Every 10 years? Can you put a time limit on creativity?

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Help center

Follow Common Sense Media

Common Sense, Common Sense Media, Common Sense Education, and Common Sense Kids Action, associated names, associated trademarks, and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN 41-2024986).

An email you'll actually read

You’re all set!

Look out for our weekly updates soon.

Follow us:

Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids' ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.

Get age-based movie reviews, app recommendations, and more for your kids.